DAC approves Rs. 9,435-crore procurement proposals for three services

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved various procurement proposals for three services estimated at about Rs. 9,435 crore.

The proposals includes purchase of 41,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and over 3.5 lakh close quarter battle (CQB) carbines, High-capacity radio relay (HCRR) and two Pollution control vessels (PCV). DAC is Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body on procurement.

Key Facts

LMGs and CQB carbines: The carbines will be procured at cost of Rs. 4,607 crore and LMGs Rs. 3,000 crore. The approval is first step in long-drawn defence procurement procedure, and conclusion of final deals will take several years. Of the purchases, 75% will be through Indian industry under Buy and Make (Indian) category and balance through Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). It will enable the defence forces to meet their immediate requirement for troops deployed on border. It will also address shortage of small arms for armed forces

High-capacity radio relay (HCRR): It will be procured at essential quantities for Indian Army and Air Force at about Rs. 1,092 crore. The HCRRs will provide fail-safe and reliable communication along with increased bandwidth in tactical battle area.

Pollution control vessels (PCV): Indian Coast Guard will get two pollution control vessels (PCV) at an approximate cost of Rs.673 crore. These PCVs will carry out pollution control and will be capable of undertaking patrolling, search and rescue and limited salvage and fire-fighting operations at sea. They will be built by Indian shipyards at an approximate cost of Rs. 673 crore. It will enhance Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) ability to rapidly undertake pollution control measures off east coast and island territories.